By law, anyone who wishes to complain about a NHS service is entitled to receive advocacy support to help them make their complaint.
An advocate provides free, confidential and independent support, and will provide you with information to help you make informed choices to help you navigate through the NHS complaints process.
The advocate’s role is to:
- Explore the options available to you at each stage of the complaints procedure
- Answer your questions to help you make informed decisions
- Help you to write effective letters to the right people
- Prepare you for any meetings (including ensuring that any necessary evidence and other material are available) and attend with you if required
- Contact and speak to third parties, on your request
- Monitor the progress of your complaint, ensuring it progresses in a timely manner
- Discuss response letters received to make sure you are satisfied with the outcome
- Assist you with submissions to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Not everyone making a complaint about the NHS will need an advocate. Sometimes, you may just need some information. These are your local advocacy services:
